OUR STORY
A HISTORIC BEGINNING
Miami Shores Community Church has deep roots in the community. The historic Mediterraean Revival building at the heart of our campus was constructed in 1925 by the Village’s original developer, the Shoreland Company, as a pump house and fire station. In 1933, our congregation began worshiping there, and in 1942 we purchased the property.
A LEGACY OF COURAGE
In February 1949, during the Jim Crow era in segregated South Florida, our progessive young pastor, Rev. Donald Douds, invited a Black minister, Rev. Edward T. Graham, to preach from our pulpit during “Brotherhood Week.” The invitation sparked controversy and threats of violence. Two crosses were burned on the church grounds, and another was burned at Rev. Graham’s home in Miami.
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In response to these events, the City of Miami passed an ordinance banning the burning of crosses. Rev. Graham later became a noted Civil Rights activist.​ This moment – commemorated by a State of Florida historical marker – remains a defining part of our story, a testament to our commitment to justice, dignity, and the belief that all people belong.
A NEW CHAPTER
In the post-World War II heyday of mainline churches, the congregation built a large sanctuary and school wing that served it well for many decades. By 2025, however, the aging buildings had become a burden that took resources away from our core mission. We therefore sold the campus and signed a long-term lease on the historic chapel that was our original home. Today we have joyfully begun a new season in our newly renovated chapel, gathering each week for worship in a warm, welcoming space that reflects both our heritage and our hope for the future. While our historic buildings continue to stand as symbols of our past, our mission remains active and alive in the present.
WHO WE ARE TODAY
As a member of the United Church of Christ, we are a Christian community committed to welcoming and affirming all people as children of God. In 2011, our congregation was one of the first in Florida to become Open and Affirming, formally embracing people of every age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith background, family structure, and life experience into the full life of our church, including membership, leadership, ministry, worship, and sacraments.
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Rooted in Jesus’ commandment to love God and love our neighbors, we affirm God’s unconditional love and strive to reflect that love in all we do.
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​We are a church shaped by courage, grounded in faith, and guided by hope, still growing into the fully welcoming and affirming community God calls us to be.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here in this United Church of Christ congregation!
God is Still Speaking
Join us Sundays at 10:00am
9823 NE 4th Ave
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305-759-3445
